Volvo has completed--on public roads--an extensive testing of its experimental kinetic flywheel technology, with the results confirming that it "is a light, financially viable and very eco-efficient solution."

"The testing of this complete experimental system for kinetic energy recovery was carried out during 2012," said Volvo Car Group powertrain engineering vice president Derek Crabb. "The results show that this technology, combined with a four-cylinder turbo engine, has the potential to reduce fuel consumption by up to 25% compared with a six-cylinder turbo engine at a comparable performance level. Giving the driver an extra 80hp, it makes a car with a four-cylinder engine accelerate like one with a six-cylinder unit."

Known as Flywheel KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System), the experimental system is fitted to the rear axle. During retardation, brake energy causes the flywheel to spin at up to 60,000rpm. When the car starts moving off again, the flywheel's rotation is then transferred to the rear wheels via a specially designed transmission.

Since the flywheel is activated by braking, and the duration of the energy storage is limited, the system is most effective during stop-and-start driving, which means fuel savings will be greatest when driving in busy urban traffic and during active driving.

If the energy in the flywheel is combined with the combustion engine's full capacity, it will give the car an extra 80hp. Thanks to the swift torque buildup, this translates into rapid acceleration, cutting the 0-100kph time by seconds. In the experimental S60 model that carried the system, the car accelerated from zero to 100kph in 5.5 seconds.

According to the Swedish carmaker, flywheel propulsion assistance was first tested in a Volvo 260 back in the 1980s. However, the flywheel then was made of steel, which is large and heavy and has a limited rotational capacity, making it an unviable option. However, with the experimental system's flywheel being made of carbon fiber, it's not only lighter and smaller but also spins in a vacuum to minimize frictional losses.

"We are the first manufacturer that has applied flywheel technology to the rear axle of a car fitted with a combustion engine driving the front wheels," added Crabb. "The next step after completing these successful tests is to evaluate how the technology can be implemented in our upcoming car models."

Hello TopGear!
What is the best fuel brand/company for all new diesel cars available in Philippines , Shell, Petron etc.?

LFron1011:

Hello TopGear!
What is the best fuel brand/company for all new diesel cars available in Philippines , Shell, Petron etc.?

EnRicO56:

Hello Top Gear, is it correct that if i have my car insured in cebu city, and plan to travel in manila it will not be covered by the insurance incase any accident may happen.

Chyleo1518699:

Good day Topgear. I'm wondering if you can share some thoughts on this. Are major car dealerships (like Honda, Toyota & others) obligated to provide towing services for vehicle units under full warranty which are confirmed to be a legitimate car or parts failure?
Thank you.

Alchemy07:

Hi TopGear, What's the best luxury diesel SUV from your end with a budget of 5M max?

jcheavens58:

Good day TopGear. Newbie here. I would like to know if all Premium gasoline in the Philippines today are also unleaded? And please enlighten if filling up my car with Premium gasoline(XCS/Blaze/VPower) instead of the manufacturer's recommended Unleaded RON 91 gasoline would do harm or damage to the engine?

ronnieb.:

good day top gear ph. when is the right time/kms reading that i go to reputable car shop instead of casa for the servicing? my vehicle needs to go to 25k kms service. thank you in advance

rain.bason:

Hi Top Gear PH, I want to seek your opinion and expertise about some issue on my car but I'm not sure how can I send it over to you. Is there an email address that I can email with?

carnuts888:

Good Day,
I would like to know why KIA does not sell here the Kia Ray sold in South Korea and also why Toyota does not sell here the toyota tank and Daihatsu Thor offered in Japan. I think there would be buyers here for these models if they bring it in.

markvibar78:

Wow why is it if their is a new model from mitsubishi or toyota they always have an immediate counter part. Like the MitsuExpander then now this toyota rush.